WCTC employee accused of sexually assaulting student

Police seeking other potential victims

By Tanya Mitchell | Apr 07, 2014

Source: Waldo County Sheriff's OfficeMichael Gagnon

Brooks — An employee at the Waldo County Technical Center and local high school coach was arrested on a charge of gross sexual assault Friday night, April 4, after police say he admitted to having sexual contact with a student.

Michael Gagnon, 46, of Winslow, was arrested on one count of Class C gross sexual assault following a brief investigation, according to Waldo County Chief Deputy Jeff Trafton.

Trafton said Detective Gerry Lincoln and Regional School Unit 3 School Resource Officer Nick Oettinger began their investigation after the school administration at RSU 3 contacted the sheriff's office to report rumors that were going around the school about the student and Gagnon having some kind of sexual contact.

"They asked us to look into the rumor," said Trafton.

The officers spoke to the student, who Trafton described as a high school aged girl, and the student gave the officers a disclosure about the alleged event, which records show occurred on or about Feb. 15 in Brooks.

Then Trafton said, the officer went to speak with Gagnon.

"He admitted that there was a physical relationship," said Trafton.

Trafton said police are continuing to investigate the case this week, since WCTC serves students from three local sending high schools and Trafton said there could be other victims who have yet to report their experiences to police.

"There are rumors of other victims," said Trafton.

As of Monday morning, April 7, Trafton said Gagnon remained in custody at the Waldo County Jail.

Gagnon is scheduled to appear at Waldo County Superior Court in Belfast Thursday, May 1.

According to the WCTC website, Gagnon is the automotive technology instructor at the school. In addition, according to RSU 3 Gagnon is serving in his 13th year as the Mount View High School softball coach.

"Regional School Unit 3 was made aware of this situation over the weekend. At this time, Mr. Gagnon has been placed on leave from his duties as softball coach," stated Perry. "RSU 3 is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well being of our students as we move forward in our investigations into this matter. We would encourage anyone who may think they have additional information that would be helpful to law enforcement to step forward and contact the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office."